KARACHI: Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan on Thursday announced a cash reward of Rs1 million for the Pakistan hockey team and team management for winning silver medal at the Incheon Asian Games recently.

He made the announcement when the team accompanied by officials and Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary called on him at his invitation at the Governor House.

On the governor’s request, business tycoon Malik Riaz announced that he will meet the shortfall of Rs5 million for the national hockey team’s forthcoming Indian tour to feature in the Champions Trophy.

Responding to PHF’s secretary Rana Mujahid’s request, the governor gave his nod for the launch of Sindh Governor’s Gold Cup Hockey Tournament.

He also assured the PHF secretary of taking up the matter of laying down blue Astro Turf at the HCP Stadium, installation of floodlit and improving infrastructure.

In this connection, a four-member committee comprising former Olympian and chief selector Islahuddin Siddiqui, Sindh Hockey Association (SHA) president Shahid Ali Khan, Karachi Hockey Association (KHA) secretary Mohammad Farooq Khan and PHF representative Iftikhar Syed was formed.

The committee will take up the matter with the governor in the near future in order to expedite the matter.

Earlier, the PHF secretary expressed his gratitude to the Sindh Governor for inviting and honouring the national team and requested him to play his role for reviving the national game at the grassroots level.

Mujahid also raised the issue of laying Astro Turf, refurbishment of HCP Stadium and granting jobs to deserving hockey players at the provincial level.

Manager-cum-chief coach Shahnaz Shaikh also thanked the governor for taking time out of his busy schedule by felicitating the team and announcing cash reward for the Asiad performance.

Speaking on the occasion, veteran Olympian Islahuddin also thanked the governor and hoped that he will continue to keep his generous support in the revival of past glories.

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2014